NYCHA Skyliners Make Strong Run in Softball Playoffs 

Members of NYCHA’s softball team, the Skyliners, played with confidence during their first season back on the field in two years. 

The employee team finished the regular season with a 7-6 record in the New York City Government Softball League, earning a sixth seed out of 14 teams in the league playoffs, said player and coach Matt Charney, NYCHA’s Vice President for Design and Construction. After defeating the Mayor’s Office team 9-8 in the first-round game on July 28, the Skyliners’ bid for the league championship fell short in a 9-5 quarterfinal loss against FDNY.  

It was the first season back for the Skyliners and other league teams since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and NYCHA’s squad set its sights on its first league championship.  

“It feels good to be back,” stated Mr. Charney, who primarily plays shortstop for the Skyliners. “It’s good to see everybody that I haven’t seen in a couple years.”  

Centerfielder Andre Gonzalez was equally excited to be reunited with his NYCHA teammates, noting that the softball games are one of the first activities that the employees have done together outside of work since the pandemic. Like many of his colleagues, Mr. Gonzalez said the Skyliners team has provided the opportunity for coworkers to get together away from the office and build camaraderie with fellow sports enthusiasts.  

“I’ve made some good relationships with some of the players outside of work and on other softball teams I play on as well, which is really cool,” said Mr. Gonzalez, an Employee Safety Oversight Specialist in the Environmental Health and Safety Department. “I’ve met people who’ve become almost like family to me.”  

Mr. Charney added: “Most of the team I probably wouldn’t have met had it not been for softball. It’s about showing a little NYCHA pride. It’s nice to have a NYCHA jersey and [show off our NYCHA pride] to some of the other agencies.”  

Many of the Skyliners are returning players who have participated for several years. The team, which plays a number of its games at St. John’s Park near Albany Houses in Brooklyn, is comprised of NYCHA employees from various departments across the city.    

Since the start of the season in April, the Skyliners have claimed some memorable victories, including a comeback win over the Department of Education and a rematch defeat of NYPD’s Police Service Area 4 team, which was decided on a walk-off hit in the last inning. While Mr. Gonzalez noted there have been some ups and downs this season, he said the Skyliners play well together and enjoy their time on the field. 

“One of the most important things is we have a lot of fun,” he stressed. “It’s gelling very well and we have a very competitive team; I’m loving it.”